17 September 2010
Waipa school students are being encouraged to learn about the district's rich history through an essay competition.
The competition, sponsored by the Te Awamutu Historical Society, is open to all year seven and year eight students who go to school in the Waipa district.
There are two categories, Waipa: My District, My History and Waipa Champions of the Past.
The winning school will receive $200 and a trophy. A second place prize of $150 is on offer and two prizes of $50 will be awarded for highly commended.
Museum and heritage director Jan White said the competition aimed to encourage young students to develop their research and writing skills as well as develop an appreciation of the district's past. Local museum staff would be more than happy to help, she said.
"It's a great way for local students to learn more about the history of the Waipa district, before, during and after the New Zealand wars," she said.
"The Te Awamutu museum has one of the oldest and richest research archives in the Waikato. We want the district's students, as well as others, to use our library, archives and our in-house research archivist for help with their school work or other projects."
She said all entries must be the original work of the student. Essays would be marked on content, including evidence of research, links to the Waipa district, originality, and language skills.
Mrs White said entries close on November 25, and that there was still plenty of time to enter. Prize winners will be notified in early December and winning entries published on Te Awamutu museum's website.
Schools can contact education facilitator Alan Reilly for more information on 0800 924 723 or email alan.reilly@waipadc.govt.nz.
For more information, please contact:
Jacqui Humm
Ph: 07 872 0062 or 027 532 1760
Email: jacqui.humm@waipadc.govt.nz